My old Black Lab has started to pee in the cellar

[WWW]

He wakes me up about 3:30 a.m. to go out and then at 6.a.m. and then again at 9 a.m. and thru out the day. He goes outside to the bathroom at about 11 p.m. for the night.. While I was filling the wood stove the other day at about 3 p.m. He took a wizz right in front of me...Does anyone know what this could be about? He has never done this before.

[absyntheNsugar]

1. He's testing you

He's also dissatisfied. Don't get angry (dogs really don't understand anger) but the next time he does it, scold him and make him do a down stay. Assert yourself in a dominant form (holding your hand on the back of his neck when he does a down stay does the trick)

Of course, he could be getting incontinent - might want to have a vet check that out.

[joeybee12]

2. How old is he? I know when cats do that (because they're very

susceptible to urinary tract infections) they're trying to tell you something is wrong.

I'd get him to a vet, pronto.

[BuckeFushe]

3. how old is he/she?

I have two. It could be a sign of a bladder infection or the onset of diabetes. My female gets bladder infections usually right after she comes into heat, and it's sulfur-based drugs to clear it up. If you can get a sample, run it down to the vet to be tested. Also, my labs can go up to 12 hours if necessary without going out, so it appears there is a problem.

[Booberdawg]

4. Sounds like a bladder infection

I'd get him to a vet

[BenZodiac]

5. old dogs

Old male dogs often have this problem later in life, and is usually related to their prostate. Just like an old man, they start to lose control of their prostate/urinary functions leading to accidents and more frequest urinations. When younger dogs do this, it is usually a behavior problem, not a physical problem.
But for older dogs, especially when they are male, it is usually physical.

Surgery can fix it (remove prostate), but is very expensive. First thing to do is to bring him to a vet. Without surgery, there is little one can do except pee him more often, as his urgency has increased.

[WWW]

6. Thanks

You guys are right, I should take him to the vet. He is 13 in December...I will call the vet Friday,..

[BuckeFushe]

7. If his urine smells much fouler than usual, or is dark

see if you can get him in on Saturday latest. Also, does he shiver when he is laying down?

[WWW]

8. His urine

actually isn't that bad (compare to cat pee!!), and yes he does shiver when he lays down, what does that mean?

[BuckeFushe]

9. If he is shivering he could have an infection

actually, probably does (fever).

[Booberdawg]

10. Oooo yes, that sounds like a fever.

I'd even consider a trip to the emergency animal clinic for that.

And make sure he's getting enough fluids!

[WWW]

11. he just ate a big boy dinner

and had a toilet bowl full of water (no additives) and is laying quietly by my feet with his squeaky toy...90 percent of me thinks it is an emotional thing ( my mother just moved in with her cat and has disrupted the household animal thing)

[BuckeFushe]

13. Take him anyway, once they get over 8, twice a year is important

from their hips to their bladders, to their eyes and heart, a lab that has lived that long needs constant attention.

[Robb]

12. What they said.

Fever, probably an infection, and probably bladder.

Older dogs are more vulnerable; the causes are similar to people, interestingly. You'll probably get prescribed antibiotics for doggy. Do push the fluids (I know that seems counter-intuitive, but there it is); consider "baiting" the water dish with a little kibble, or some chicken broth (very little).

Also, since he's getting on in years, consider if the dog door is difficult to open; there are several good dog doors that are easier on older dogs, and one great one -- the Pickwick Dog Operated Door (seriously). It's a marvel of engineering, and a great conversation piece. :)

Good thoughts to doggy!

[WWW]

14. You guys are great!

Thanks so much for answering my post...You know I can't think of anothe forum that would elicit such a response..thanks so much

Tammy

[BuckeFushe]

16. Family

All I have to say.

[sleipnir]

15. I owned a "Black Lab" CD once, I lost it three years ago, good band